Army Bowl: Top 10 uncommitted prospects
SAN ANTONIO -- The 17th edition of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl will take place Jan. 7 in San Antonio. While college football fans across the country are interested to see their teams’ commits perform on the big stage, just as compelling is the on-going recruiting battles for those players who remain uncommitted.
Here is a look at the top 10 uncommitted prospects scheduled to take part in this week’s Army Bowl.
Still in the mix: Nebraska, Notre Dame, Stanford, USC, Washington
The latest: Sarell has taken four of his five official visits, with Stanford being the odd team out thus far of those thought still to be in the mix. He has taken several visits to Stanford in lieu of scheduling that official, and the Cardinal are a strong contender in his recruitment along with his home-state school of Washington. Sarell had positive reviews for his official visits to Nebraska, Notre Dame and USC, but the turnover with the Irish coaching staff this offseason seems to help the case for his other candidates.
Still in the mix: Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma
The latest: Okudah’s recruitment has seemed to lean to Ohio State for a while. After watching the Buckeyes win against Oklahoma and again in Columbus while on official visits, fortune is seemingly on Ohio State’s side. The fact that fellow Texas recruit and frequent visit partner Baron Browning committed to Ohio State following the win over the Wolverines seems to add that much more writing to the wall. Florida State seems to be the other option if the signs pointing to the Buckeyes are off.
Still in the mix: Michigan, Ohio State, UCLA, USC
The latest: After being a UCLA lean since the offseason, other teams have made a strong push for Holmes, most notably, Ohio State. The Buckeyes have fended off more local options to Holmes and have been a bigger presence in his recruitment over the last few weeks. Michigan has been an intriguing option as well, as Holmes has shown an interest in the way the Wolverines utilized Jabrill Peppers on both sides of the ball. In addition to USC and UCLA, Holmes also took an official visit to Arizona, where he has a brother that plays for the Wildcats.
Still in the mix: Alabama, Arizona State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC
The latest: Lewis has kept a large and fluid group of schools in-play late in his recruitment, but the top contenders appear to be Nebraska and USC. Lewis has visited Nebraska three times since the end of his junior year, including a Sept. 30 official visit. He also visited Oregon the weekend of Oct. 7, but that was prior to the Ducks’ coaching change. A planned official visit to Oklahoma in November was postponed and other possible official visits have been discussed, but not finalized. He could end up visiting Arizona State the weekend of Jan. 13.
Still in the mix: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, USC
The latest: Solomon spent the summer on Michigan’s commitment list, but rescinded his pledge just before the start of his senior season. The Wolverines were able to land his first official visit back in November, but have to wait out the final four official visits before hearing his verdict. Alabama also hosted Solomon officially in November, while USC (Jan. 13), Auburn (Jan. 20) and Florida (Jan. 27) all have official visits scheduled with Solomon for this month. And, do not forget about the home-state Georgia Bulldogs, who remain very much in the mix.
Still in the mix: Alabama, Florida, Florida State
The latest: Known for playing his cards close to the vest, it is no surprise that the perceived leader for Parks has changed frequently. Early in the process Florida State appeared to be the team to beat. Then, Florida started to build momentum with the in-state prospect. Most recently, Alabama has been the hot pick of pundits for Parks’ landing spot. Official visits were taken to Alabama and Florida State in November, and he could take up to three more in January if he desires.
Still in the mix: Alabama, LSU, Miami
The latest: It’s tough pulling a Louisiana player from his roots, but Alabama and Miami are looking to do just that with Smith. The long, lanky wide receiver has a knack for making tough catches look easy and is always a reliable set of hands. Smith has scheduled his official visits to the trio of southeastern schools, but has also had numerous unofficial visits with their staffs as well. After pushing back his commitment once, it seems he’s now taking his time coming to a final decision.
Still in the mix: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia Tech
The latest: Hunter at one point planned to make a Christmas Eve decision, but he postponed that announcement and now is expected to make three official visits during the month of January. A trip to Florida for the weekend of Jan. 13 has been scheduled, followed by visits to Auburn and Alabama on the final two weekends before National Signing Day. Previous official visits were taken to North Carolina and Virginia Tech in the month of December.
Still in the mix: Ohio State, USC
The latest: Bolden spent six months on USC’s commitment list before re-opening his recruitment early in the summer. Whether or not he eventually ends up a Trojan will be determined at the Army Bowl, as Bolden is expected to announce his decision between USC and Ohio State during the game’s telecast. An official visit to Columbus was taken in early November, after which his mother said other schools would have a tough time beating the Buckeyes. He was scheduled to officially visit USC the weekend of Jan. 13, which now hinges on which school he picks this weekend.
Still in the mix: Arizona State, Missouri, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Utah
The latest: After an offer from Texas might have seen Benjamin stay in-state and head to Austin, two other running backs committed to the Longhorns shortly thereafter and that door seemed to close as fast as it opened. Michigan may find a way to make room for him as the Wolverines were seemingly second in his recruitment at the time he originally committed to Iowa, but there is a logjam at running back in their recruiting class as well. Arizona State seems to be the next team up, with Utah also is making a push, but Oklahoma State could be the best remaining fit.